FC Edmonton: Trialists impress, but injuries are a concern By Steven Sandor Posted on July 3, 2014 1 0 718 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter FC Edmonton coach Colin Miller has been pleased with the play of trialists Cristian Raudales and Chad Burt. And, if injuries during the fall-season break keep mounting, he may need even more reinforcements. The Eddies are now sweating on the health of forward Tomi Ameobi, midfielder Ritchie Jones and keeper Lance Parker. Parker, who missed all of the spring season with a finger injury, has now injured the finger on the other hand. Miller said it’s too early to tell how long the Eddies’ No. 1 keeper will be out of action. Miller said Jones is “at about 70 per cent,” while Ameobi’s calf injury will likely see him miss the start of the season. “Right now, we’re hoping he’s ready for the Atlanta game,” said Miller. The Eddies open the fall season July 13 at home to the Ottawa Fury, with a 4 p.m. MT kickoff that allows fans to watch the World Cup final before heading to the match. The Eddies play in Atlanta on July 19. Lance Parker But Miller has been impressed with the way the team has played in the preseason, scoring five times against the Kamloops All-Stars, then beating the PDL Victoria Highlanders by a 2-0 count on Wednesday night, with teenagers Sadi Jalali and Hanson Boakai each scoring goals. “With the first game, which was not as big a test as last night’s game, I tried to get everyone 45 minutes, and yesterday we tried to get most of the (starting) group 60 minutes. Hanson (Boakai) played 15 minutes. “ As for the trialists? Miller said he’s been impressed by what he’s seen so far. “To be fair, they have arrived here from Europe and have had to fight fatigue. I think Chad’s legs were gone after 25 minutes, but Cristian was able to go a bit longer, he played 60 minutes and he made a good impression. But both have done well. Chd is an attacking type of player.” The Eddies scored 11 times in the nine-game spring season, tied with the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Carolina RailHawks for lowest offensive output in the league. But the Eddies got six of their goals in one match. So, finding offence is a priority for the team. Miller said another player will arrive in camp next week.
